Geometrical modelling of abrasive waterjet footprints: A study for 90° jet impact angle

Modelling of abrasive waterjet footprints is of critical importance when aiming to generate controlled freeform surfaces. The paper reports on a geometrical model of the jet footprint (kerf) in maskless controlled-depth milling applications. The model firstly needs to find the material specific erosion (etching) rate that is obtained from the jet footprint by taking the limiting conditions (high jet feed rates) of the model. Once this is found, the jet footprint can be predicted accurately for any jet feed speed. An example of model validation is presented for 90° jet impingement angle against a SiC ceramic as target material.